Published:
Mar 15th 2026
by 
Last updated: Mar 15th 2026
Looking for a tropical dessert? Give our Guava Duff Recipe a try!
Guava Duff is a treasured dessert in the Bahamas. As the name implies, guava is the star of this show.
Introduced to the Bahamas after Columbus arrived in 1492, guavas have become a staple in Bahamian cuisine. Guava Duff emerged during British colonization and has remained a cherished favorite ever since.
To make this Bahamian treasure, sweet dough is slathered with minced guava and steamed until it transforms into one of the best desserts you will ever make. It is then served with a sweet buttery rum sauce that takes the dish to a whole other level.
Now every Bahamian has their own way of making this dish. This is our tasty spin on an old but delectable Bahamian treat!
Looking for more guava-inspired desserts? Give our Guava Pastry a try!
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Pro Tip - Unique Flavor: The combination of sweet, tropical guava, pillowy soft dough, and rich, buttery rum sauce creates a unique flavor unlike any other dessert you've tasted.
- Cultural Experience: Experience a taste of Bahamian culture and history while bringing some of the islands into your kitchen with this authentic dessert.
- Homemade Goodness: Making guava duff from scratch allows you to enjoy the satisfaction of creating something homemade and delicious, free from preservatives and artificial ingredients.
- Perfect for Celebrations: This dessert is perfect for special occasions and celebrations like Mother's Day, birthdays, or graduation parties.
- Mince the guavas into small pieces. It will be easier to spread the guava on the dough.
- Wrap the duff in 3 layers of foil to prevent water from getting on the dough and making it soggy.
- Chill the duff for 1 hour before steaming. It will allow the butter to cool, which helps the Guava Duff maintain its structure as it steams.
- Place the guava duff into the water seam side up to prevent the water from getting into the Duff.
Cut the loaf into 1-inch pieces, then place them on a serving platter. Add a dollop of the sauce on top of each slice and let it melt before serving.
- Canned Guavas: Use 1 (28 oz) can of guavas if you cannot find fresh guavas. Additionally, save the juice from the guavas and add it to the sauce. It will give the sauce even more guava flavor.
- Guava jam: Use 2 cups of guava jam instead of canned guavas. Heat the guava jam in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute to make it easier to spread.
Place the Guava Duff in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat the Guava Duff, place a few slices on a plate, add a few dollops of the sauce, and heat it for 30 seconds to a minute until it is heated through.
What is Guava Duff made of?
Guava Duff is made with fresh guavas, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, and evaporated milk. The sauce is made with puréed guavas, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, boiling water, and rum or brandy.
What is Duff in the Bahamas?
Duff refers to a dessert. It is steamed sweet dough filled with a sweet filling (usually guava) and served with a rich butter rum sauce.
Does guava taste like bubblegum?
Guavas do not taste like bubblegum. They taste like a tropical combination of strawberries and pineapples.
Is guava high in carbs?
Gauvas are not high in carbs. A 100-gram serving of guava has approximately 14 grams of carbs.
Time & Serves
Ingredients
6 large Guavas or 12 small Guavas, peeled, halved
4 cups All-Purpose Flour
3 teaspoons Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
3/4 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
1 large Egg
3/4 cup Evaporated Milk
1/4 cup Water
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
2 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons Boiling Water
2 tablespoons Rum or Brandy (optional)
Instructions
Use a spoon to gently scoop the seeds and pulp from the center of the guavas. Place the pulp in a small pot and set it aside. Place the guava shells on a cutting board and cut them into small pieces using a knife. Place them in a small bowl and set them aside.
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until combined and set aside.
Next, put the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Beat it with a hand mixer for 3 minutes until combined.
Add the egg and mix until combined.
Add 1/3 of the flour mixture. Mix until combined. Add half of the evaporated milk and mix until combined. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture. Mix until combined. Add the remaining milk. Mix until combined.
Add the remaining flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Gather it into a ball.
Dust your countertop lightly with flour. Place the dough on your counter and knead it for 1 minute. Cut in half and roll, then roll out each half using a rolling pin until 1/4 inch in thickness.
Place half of the chopped guava in the center of the dough and use a spatula to spread it out, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges.
Roll it into a tight log, then pinch the seam together to seal the Guava Duff. Wrap it tightly with 3 layers of foil.
Repeat steps 10, 11, and 12 with the remaining dough and set it aside.
Fill a large roasting pan with a tight-fitting cover halfway full of water. Set it over medium-high heat and let it come to a boil. Place the Guava Duff into the roasting pan seam-side up, cover it, and cook for 60–70 minutes.
Remove the Guava Duff from the water and place it on a plate. Set it aside to cool while you make the sauce.
Add the water to the guava pulp and set it over medium-low heat. Let it come to a simmer and cook it for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked. Set it aside to cool.
Place the butter in a large bowl and mix it with a hand mixer for 5 minutes until the butter is almost white.
Gradually, mix the powdered sugar into the butter until combined.
Add the vanilla extract, boiling water, and rum or brandy if using, and mix for 3–4 minutes until it is smooth and fluffy.
Place a fine-mesh sieve over the sauce, add the guava pulp to the sieve, and use a rubber spatula to push the pulp through the sieve until there are only seeds left. Mix the pulp into the sauce for 1 minute until combined.
Cut the Guava Duff into 1-inch slices and place them on a serving tray. Add a dollop of sauce on top of each slice of Guava Duff, and enjoy!
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